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Learn about Hangman Creek's TMDL implementation efforts to address water quality impairments like fecal coliform, temperature, and turbidity, focusing on nonpoint source pollution and stormwater. Implementation activities involve agricultural best practices, riparian buffer enhancements, and more.
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Hangman Creek TMDL Implementation Elaine Snouwaert – WA Department of Ecology Walt Edelen – Spokane Conservation District Spokane River DO Advisory Group Meeting January 19, 2012
Overview • Ecology and Spokane Conservation District partnered on the project. • Covers Fecal Coliform Bacteria, Temperature, and Turbidity (Sediment) impairments • Does not cover Dissolved Oxygen, pH (or set nutrient limits) • Implementation primarily addresses nonpoint source pollution and stormwater • Implementation expected to also reduce nutrients including phosphorus
Schedule • TMDL efforts began in 2004 (study 2004-2005). • Data analysis and work with advisory group 2005-2008. • Spring 2009 published TMDL • September 2009 EPA approved TMDL • Worked with many implementation partners to develop Implementation Plan (completed May 2011)
Implementation Focus Advisory Group Identified 11 primary issues: • Sediment/nutrientsfrom agricultural operations. • Sediment/fecal coliform from livestock and wildlife. • Nutrients/chemicals from residential uses. • Sediment/nutrientsfrom agricultural field ditches. • Nutrients/fecal coliform from improperly functioning septic systems. • Sedimentfrom gravel and summer roads. • Sedimentfrom sheer or undercut banks. • Sediment/fecal coliform from stormwater. • Sedimentfrom poor forestry management. • Sedimentfrom roadside ditching. • Solar heating from lack of riparian shade.
Implementation Activities • Converting conventional farming tillage practices to direct seed tillage. • Implementing agricultural best management practices (BMPs) to reduce erosion. • Enhancing and restoring riparian buffers. • Managing livestock to prevent their waste from reaching streams. • Maintaining and repairing failing septic systems. • Stream bank restoration projects. • Following forest practice regulations when harvesting timber. • Education about water quality issues and the activities to address them.
Implementation Partners • Avista Corporation • City of Spokane • Coeur d’Alene Tribe • Hangman Watershed Implementation Team • Inland Northwest Land Trust • The Lands Council • Natural Resources Conservation Service • Pine and Spokane Conservation Districts • Spokane County • Spokane Regional Health District • Spokane River Forum • Small Towns in the Watershed • Trout Unlimited and Spokane Fly Fishers • Washington Depts of Ecology, Natural Resources (forestry), Transportation (stormwater)